Our Vote Our Power

It's time! Now that the conventions are over, the debate is over, it's the countdown to the big, Nov. 5th General Election.  Join THE 100 along with local and national guests us for Our Vote Our Power event to discuss national and local issues and the need for voter education, mobilization and protection.  It's all part of our Real Men Vote national initiative.  We'll especially discuss the needs and opportunities of the Black Community.  You can also register to vote onsite or determine your status.   This event is FREE and open to all.  Just be sure to RSVP!

Holli L. Holliday, Esq. [National Presenter- via LIVE virtual stream]
President, Sisters Lead Sisters Vote
Holli L. Holliday, Esq. currently serves as the president of Sisters Lead Sisters Vote (SLSV), a 501(c) 4 organization, founded by Black women, to expand Black women’s leadership, voices & politics. Holli has managed or advised over 300 campaigns, as a campaign manager, leading political programs, or as a consultant. Because of her expertise in equity and inclusion strategies, she is at her best when connecting people and transforming spaces to cultivate authentic leadership. Through SLSV, she works tirelessly to amplify Black women’s voices; advance Black women’s political leadership; and expand Black women’s opportunities.

Q&A PANEL

DaRon McGee [MODERATOR], Jackson County Legislator, 4th District

4th District Legislator DaRon McGee has dedicated his career to public service as an advocate for Missouri families. Since being elected to serve in the Missouri House of Representatives and the Jackson County Legislature, he has worked to expand economic opportunity, community wellness, and public safety across the state, championing numerous initiatives to generate job growth, reduce health disparities, and end gun violence.  As a legislator, he serves on the Health & Environment and Housing & Homelessness committees.

Melissa Patterson Hazley, Councilwoman 3rd District at Large, KCMO

Dr. Melissa Patterson Hazley is a Kansas City native, Kansas City Public Schools graduate, Educational Psychologist, research professional and newly elected Kansas City Council Member representing the 3rd District at Large. Her civic work is focused in the areas of housing including vacant properties/land, financing, tax incentives and policy actions around economic development, workforce, and youth empowerment. Professionally, Councilwoman Patterson Hazley conducts research and evaluation projects focused on closing disparities among marginalized populations. Patterson Hazley is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated

John Bowman Sr, President NAACP St. Louis County

John Bowman Sr is president of the St. Louis County NAACP. Under Bowman’s leadership, the organization has particularly worked for the underserved, addressing areas ranging from healthcare to food insecurity. Bowman has also worked in the Missouri Legislature — first as a representative for House District 70 and then as the chief of staff for Sen. Robin Wright-Jones in Senate District 5. He also was a member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and a 25-year member of the United Auto Workers.

DJ Yearwood, Youth & Public Health Advocate

DJ Yearwood is a 17-year-old youth advocate from Kansas City, Missouri, recognized as the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids' 2023 Barrie Fiske National Youth Advocate of the Year. At 16, he launched the Vote16MO Initiative, seeking to empower young people to become active in civic engagement at all levels. Through his efforts, DJ has trained over 90 youth advocates, fostered partnerships with more than 60 organizations, contributing to significant state-level legislation and securing substantial funding for youth development. DJ's advocacy focuses on empowering young people to actively participate in civic engagement and decision-making processes. DJ has been instrumental in championing youth voices and fostering change— locally, nationally, and internationally. His commitment to youth empowerment continues to inspire and mobilize the next generation of leaders.

Amber Sellers, Commissioner Lawrence, KS
Amber Sellers is a native Kansan, born and raised in Wichita. She received her bachelor's degree in sports science and master's degree in health education from the University of Kansas. In 2018, Amber completed her master's in public administration from the University of Missouri- Kansas City with an emphasis on urban administration and housing policy. Amber has a robust professional experience in both the public and private sectors, including early childhood care and education, government affairs, regulation development, community and public health. Amber is currently a government affairs consultant who has worked with health and community organizations in Kansas and Oklahoma on policy and organizing strategies.

In 2021, Amber became the first African American woman ever elected to the Lawrence City Commission. Her civic and social service involvement with local organizations includes her beloved sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc, the Lawrence-Douglas County League of Women Voters, the Lawrence Branch of the NAACP, the Douglas County Economic Development Council, the Explore Lawrence Advisory Board, the Treatment and Recovery Center Advisory Board, and the National League of Cities' National Black Caucus- Local Elected Officials.